RESIDENTS affected by January's devastating Blackford fire have launched a class action in the South Australian Supreme Court.
Regional Vic firm Maddens Lawyers have issued proceedings against the executors of the Estate of Thomas Brinkworth and his surviving wife Patricia Brinkworth, who own the land where Maddens believes the January 11 fire ignited.
They are alleging the fire started after a burn-off pile ignited on a day of total fire ban and spread to neighbouring properties.
RELATED READING: Blackford fire cause 'non-suspicious'
The fire burnt through more than 14,000 hectares across about 70 properties, and came perilously close to the township of Lucindale.
Maddens Lawyers class action principal Kathryn Emeny said the start of the class action proceeding was an important step towards getting compensation for those impacted by the fire.
"This was a very significant fire event. The damage caused by the fire is far reaching and still being felt to this day," she said.
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"Claims for compensation in the class action will incorporate all aspects of loss suffered after a major fire, such as time spent cleaning and restoring one's property, as well as fencing, tree and pasture losses.
"Claims will also be advanced for any psychological injuries, which we understand are commonly experienced by bushfire victims."
Maddens Lawyers is also the firm behind similar class actions on behalf of property owners impacted by the Yorketown blaze in November 2019, as well as the Cudlee Creek fire which tore through the Adelaide Hills a month later.
The Brinkworth family has been contacted for comment.
More to come.
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